DAY 74 - MONTEFIASCONE to VITERBO - 3 July 2026

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After our buffet breakfast we followed the Via Francigena up and around the side of the hill to  get great views of Lake Bolsena and surrounds.  We took photos with the iconic pilgrim statue.

We headed downhill on a track,  stepping carefully around some hedge trimming. We had views back to Montefiascone. Before too long we were walking on the large flat stones of a Roman road.  This Roman road went on for quite some time; cars drove on parts of it and we even saw a brave bike rider tackling it. There were olive trees and luscious looking kiwi fruits growing beside the road.

The Roman road gave way to gravel and we passed fields and sheds of hay. There were big vehicles transporting hay, milk and cereal.

Eventually we came to the Bagnaccio thermal baths.  These waters have been used since the 3rd century BC for their healing properties. There was a special rate for pilgrims so we had a good soak.

We made a detour to Decathlon to replace a shirt, before we rejoined the Via to take us into Viterbo. After a short break in our hotel, we headed out to explore the large medieval centre. Much of it is built with grey stone (tufa). As we learnt in the underground tour,  tufa is workable but tough; underground tunnels were carved out in ancient times and are still used today.

We had an aperitivo and then a delicious dinner in a scenic square. We wandered down to see the Palazzo dei Papi. It was here that the archbishops were locked in to ensure a speedy vote for the next pope.

We came back enjoying the lively atmosphere of a medieval fair,  which just happens to be on this weekend. 

Leaving Montefiascone this morning 
The pilgrim statue at Montefiascone 
The Via Francigena on from Montefiascone 
Kiwifruit plantation
The path followed quite a long stretch of the ancient Via Cassia
The Via Francigena path on the old Via Cassia 
The old Via Cassia
On through farm tracks
The country still looks dry despite some recent rain
Bagnaccio thermal baths
A slight detour off the Via Francigena to go to Decathlon
Viterbo 
Viterbo
Underground passages in Viterbo
There is a medieval fair on in Viterbo at the moment
Leisurely aperitif and dinner 
Papal palace in Viterbo
Bits and pieces
Birds
Day 74 - Map

Day:                               74
Distance:                      20.5 km
Walking time:               4 hrs 17 mins
Elevation gain:             199 metres
Cumulative distance:  1510.74 km

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